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Westfield approves $94,700 eminent-domain payment to acquire corner parcels for Mule Barn Road widening
Summary
The Board approved a court-settlement payment of $94,700 to acquire roughly 0.2 acres of right of way from two Ely parcels at the Mule Barn Road–State Route 32 intersection, resolving an eminent-domain proceeding and clearing the way for turn lanes and widening work.
The Westfield Board of Public Works and Safety voted to approve payment of $94,700 to acquire right of way from two parcels on the northwest corner of Mule Barn Road and State Route 32, resolving an eminent-domain action that staff said was needed for road widening and turn-lane work.
John Nail, public works staff, said the city exercised eminent domain after initial acquisition offers were rejected or not answered and that the court appointed three disinterested appraisers. "Before you is the shared agreed price that we feel, both the property owner and city feel are fair, prices to pay, for the acquisition," Nail said. He told the board the parcels total about 0.2 acres.
Nail said accepting the court-appointed figure settles the case and avoids extended litigation, mediation or a jury trial. Board members asked whether the case went to arbitration; board leadership clarified the process had reached the court-appraiser step and the parties agreed not to contest the appraisers’ finding.
The motion to approve the payment passed unanimously.
Why it matters: The acquisition provides the right of way needed to add turn lanes and widen Mule Barn Road where it T's into SR-32, a project staff said is part of the area's ongoing roadway improvements.
Sources: Staff remarks and discussion during the Board meeting.
